Treatment of ADHD invariably needs a combination of medical, behavioural, educational, and psychological help. This is sometimes called “multimodal” treatment. It can include:
- Coaching
- Counselling
- Parent training
- Skills training
- Behavioural therapy
- Education support and learning about ADHD
- Medication
Treating ADHD should be uniquely tailored to each individual and their family, working in conjunction with professionals who know what they’re doing.
Individuals can learn to cope with the disorder, manage their social relationships, and improve their mental as well as physical wellbeing.
Treatment Research
Most treatment research to date has concentrated on children. Reduction in symptoms is strongly evidence based.
Studies such as those done by the National Institute of Mental Health Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD, show children’s behaviour improves significantly when they have a carefully monitored treatment plan. The studies also show that a combination of stimulant and behavioural treatment has far better results than either treatment on its own.
Research for adults is far less prolific, but those who have been diagnosed correctly can take the same path of working with one or more health care professionals to manage their symptoms.
ADHD can affect people “across their lifespan.” By saying this, we mean that the symptoms of ADHD can be experienced right through life, from one phase to the next.